The Happy Goat

Week In Pictures: Sept 8-15

spakmass — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:19:29 +0000

Click picture for MSNBC week in pictures:

Ask The Editors: Mass Workplace Exodus?

spakmass — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:10:52 +0000

Reader’s Question: I know there are at least two people (out of 20) quitting my team NEXT WEEK and there may be more in the pipeline. I don’t wanna be left in the dust and I think I should make a move too. There’s also a hiring freeze at my company and any left over work will have to be redelegated to the rest of us. I already work late hours; what should I do?

Editor’s Answer: If you haven’t already, you should start aggressively looking for a new job. It’s clear that somethings going on at your work that people don’t like OR there are greater opportunities out there causing people to leave. Remember, if you’re lucky enough to get another job offer, it doesn’t mean you actually have to take it. Job hunting only works in your favor: 1) It acts as a good insurance policy in case things get really bad, 2) It may allow you to negotiate your salary up if you can score a higher paying job.

There Are Better Ways to Start an Armenchick Rumor Labor Day Weekend

spakmass — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:19:34 +0000

2 weeks before Olympics (on Gchat)

Me: Hi, Kastajian (last name changed to protect the innocent)

Kastajian: Hey what’s up?

Me: Nothing. I was thinking we should start a rumor on the Booze Cruise about Armenchick.

Kastajian: Ha, why?

Me: Cuz it’s funny. We should tell people on the Booze Cruise we saw him in the hotel and he’s performing Sunday night.

Kastajian: lolol, that’s a great idea.

2 weeks later on Booze Cruise, I’m standing with Kastajian and a group of people:

Me: You know what’s crazy, I saw Armenchick in the Hyatt today and someone said he’s performing on Sunday night.

Group of girls: Really????

Kastajian: What? You’re lying.

Me: Wait, huh? No no, Armenchick (winking) is at the Hyatt. I think he’s performing Sunday night.

Kastajian: Whatever. I’m gullable usually, but I don’t believe that.

(Crickets)

Conversations With Friends About the Economy

spakmass — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:00:05 +0000

Friend: So should I invest in the stock market now?

Me: That’s a pretty loaded question. You want me to predict where the stock market’s gonna be 6-12 months from now?

Friend: Yeah.

Me: So you want me to figure out what’s going to happen with the Eurozone, Greece, commodity prices, repatriation of corporate profits, the presidential election, taxes, real estate prices… you want me to predict all that and tell you where the economy is headed?

Friend: Yeah.

Me: How bout you finish your fucking beer and not ask me stupid questions.

Times when you shouldn't ask stupid questions.

Conversations With the Barista

spakmass — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:47:50 +0000

12:34 pm today:

Barista: Hi, how are you today?

Me: Hi, Dan.

Barista: What can I get you?

Me: Dan, this coffee… I’m drinking too much…

Barista: Yeah, you’re here 3 times a day. It’s pretty ridiculous.

Me: Yeah, I feel like this coffee is eating up my insides. It’s getting out of control. (Turn to my coworker) Michele, I feel like they should put a warning on this coffee to show people’s insides.

Michele: Like the cigarette ads, when they show people’s lungs?

Me: Yeah.

Barista: Yeah, that wouldn’t be good for business.

Countdown Eurozone: Approaching Greece’s Fate

spakmass — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:45:54 +0000

Read it here.

Ask the Editors: Is My Boss Crazy?

spakmass — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:09:38 +0000

Reader’s Question: It was really quiet at one point today and my manager said, “I am a gypsy,” under his breath… with no context whatsoever. Is he crazy?

Editor’s Answer: The context doesn’t matter in this case; either way he’s clinically crazy. Who says that? Find a new job.

Also see Ask the Editors: Should I Feel Bad About… and

Ask the Editors: Booze Cruise Safety

Ask the Editors: Should I Feel Bad About…

spakmass — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:24:00 +0000

Reader’s Question: Somehow my contacts from Gmail got loaded into my Linked In account, including my ex’s, whose job title/company popped up on my screen. Out of curiosity, I then checked out the average base salary for his position @ Glassdoor.com and realized I now make over twice as much as he does. It made me feel so good inside… I’m talking the peak-of-your-Vegas-weekend good. Should I feel bad about that?

Editor’s Answer: No, you should feel amazing. Well done.

Also see last “Ask the Editors”

Reflections on Labor Day Weekend: It’s Better…

spakmass — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:09:20 +0000

… to make bad impressions than no impressions at all.

Cheney Hearts Hillary

spakmass — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:57:22 +0000

Read it here.